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The 1998 Detroit auto show sparked a transition from SUVs to fuel efficiency.

Fifteen years ago, the Detroit auto show brought us debuts of top sellers such as a redesigned Chevrolet Silverado, and sparked nostalgia with a new Volkswagen Beetle.

What became more significant, though, was the emergence of fuel-efficiency technology. Autoweek editors predicted we would look back at the 1998 Detroit auto show and see it as the beginning of a transition away from SUVs and instead to “Something Else” (page 11).

General Motors revealed a new family of alternative-fuel concept cars, including a fuel-cell electric based on the EV1. Ford pledged to make its SUVs meet car emission standards.Our favorite quote from our coverage: “… And no one is in a hurry to make them meet car fuel-economy standards, not when you can buy a gallon of gasoline for less than a buck.” Oh, how times have changed.

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About the Detroit auto show

The annual North American International Auto Show, better known as the Detroit auto show, has maintained its place as a barometer for the entire industry. For 2013, NAIAS takes place Jan. 14-27 and will host concept cars, green cars and supercars from all the major automakers, including what's expected to be a highlight this year: the new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage of the Detroit auto show here.